What is Purified Water and How is it Made?
Purified water is defined as water that has been treated to ensure it is free from contaminants, including bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals. While the source can be tap, groundwater, or surface water, it is the treatment process that defines its purity. The level of purity is often measured by the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS), with purified water having a significantly low TDS count.
Several methods are used to purify water, each with different effects on the final product:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is a popular method that forces water through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities like salts, bacteria, and other contaminants. The result is very pure water, though it also removes beneficial minerals.
- Distillation: This process involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into a liquid. It is highly effective at removing contaminants, but also eliminates virtually all minerals.
- Deionization: This process uses ion exchange to remove mineral ions from water, resulting in highly pure water that is often used for industrial and laboratory applications.
- UV Light Disinfection: Some systems use ultraviolet light to attack the genetic code of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing. This is often used in combination with other filtration methods.
The Benefits of Drinking Purified Water
Drinking purified water offers several clear health advantages, primarily centered on safety and cleanliness. By removing harmful substances, it reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses and long-term health issues associated with consuming contaminated water. For individuals with compromised immune systems, purified water provides a reliable source of hydration, free from pathogens and chemicals that could pose a risk. The removal of chlorine and other compounds also results in a cleaner, more neutral taste and odor, which can encourage people to drink more water and stay better hydrated. Many purification systems, like those using activated carbon, are particularly effective at this.
The Potential Downsides and Risks
The most significant drawback of purified water, especially from processes like reverse osmosis and distillation, is the stripping away of beneficial, naturally occurring minerals. These include essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which play crucial roles in bone health, heart function, and electrolyte balance. Long-term, exclusive consumption of demineralized water may lead to a mineral imbalance or deficiency, particularly if one's diet doesn't compensate for the loss. Some studies even suggest that low-mineral water may be associated with cardiovascular disorders, though more research is needed. Furthermore, because it lacks the minerals that act as buffers, purified water can be slightly acidic, which some hypothesize could affect the body's pH balance over time.
Purified vs. Tap vs. Spring Water: A Comparison
To make an informed decision, it is helpful to compare purified water with its alternatives. The "best" choice depends on individual needs, local water quality, and priorities.
| Feature | Purified Water | Tap Water (Municipal) | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Can come from any source, including tap. | Treated surface or groundwater. | Natural underground spring. |
| Purification | Intensive filtration (RO, distillation, deionization) to remove nearly all contaminants. | Standard municipal treatment (chlorination, filtration) to meet regulations. | Filtered, with some trace contaminants possible depending on source. |
| Mineral Content | Very low to zero; potentially remineralized in some systems. | Contains minerals depending on source and location. | Contains natural minerals and electrolytes. |
| Safety | Consistently high due to thorough contaminant removal. | Generally safe in regulated areas, but can vary and may contain traces of contaminants. | High, but can contain trace natural contaminants. Regulations apply. |
| Taste | Neutral, sometimes described as bland. | Varies; can have a chlorine or metallic taste. | Varies; often fresh due to mineral content. |
| Cost | Can be more expensive, especially bottled. | Affordable, often the most cost-effective option. | Can be expensive, especially bottled. |
Optimizing Hydration with Purified Water
For those concerned about the mineral-stripping effect of purified water, there are practical steps to take. Ensure your diet is rich in minerals by eating plenty of leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and dairy products. Some modern RO water systems are even designed with a re-mineralization stage that adds back important minerals like calcium and magnesium. You can also consider mineral-enhanced water products or adding electrolyte drops to your purified water. For athletes or individuals who sweat profusely, it is especially important to actively replenish electrolytes lost during exercise. The best approach is often a balanced one, where purified water provides a clean hydration base, and the rest of your diet provides a rich source of essential minerals.
Conclusion
So, is purified water good for your body? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, its rigorous purification process effectively removes harmful contaminants, providing a safe and reliable source of hydration, especially in areas with poor tap water quality. On the other hand, the removal of beneficial minerals raises valid concerns about long-term health, as minerals play a vital role in bodily functions. The safest and most effective approach is to consider your individual circumstances, such as your local water quality, dietary intake, and health needs. For most people with access to safe tap water, purified water is a good option but may not be necessary. For those seeking maximum purity or living in areas with questionable water sources, supplementing purified water with dietary minerals can provide the best of both worlds. The decision ultimately comes down to prioritizing either maximum contaminant removal or maintaining natural mineral content.
Is purified water good for your body? Considerations and best practices
How to tell if purified water is the right choice for you
Consider your local water quality, dietary habits, and specific health needs to determine if purified water is beneficial for your body. If your tap water has known contaminants or you have a weakened immune system, purified water is a safer option. If you have a balanced diet, the loss of minerals from purified water is less of a concern.
Different types of water purification methods
Purification methods vary, but common ones include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization. Reverse osmosis forces water through a semipermeable membrane, while distillation involves boiling water and collecting the condensed steam. Deionization removes mineral ions using ion exchange.
Water purification vs. water filtration
Purification, especially through processes like reverse osmosis and distillation, typically removes a higher percentage of contaminants, including most minerals and dissolved solids. Filtration, such as with carbon filters, primarily removes specific impurities like chlorine and sediment while often leaving beneficial minerals intact.
The importance of minerals in drinking water
Water can be a source of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are vital for processes such as bone health and nerve function. While a balanced diet is the main source of these minerals, some mineral content from water can still contribute to overall intake.
How to get enough minerals if you drink purified water
If you primarily drink purified water, you can compensate for lost minerals by ensuring your diet is rich in mineral-dense foods like leafy greens, dairy, and nuts. Using a remineralization filter with your water purifier or adding electrolyte drops can also help.
The effect of purified water on taste
Many people find that purified water has a cleaner, more neutral taste compared to tap water, which can sometimes have a metallic or chlorinated flavor. This improved taste can encourage higher water consumption.
The best water for athletes and highly active people
Highly active individuals may benefit from water with natural electrolytes, like spring water, to replenish what is lost through sweat. If drinking purified water, it is especially important to supplement with electrolyte-rich foods or drinks to avoid imbalance.
Purified water for babies and sensitive individuals
For babies, distilled or purified water is often recommended for mixing formula to ensure safety, especially in areas with uncertain tap water quality. Individuals with compromised immune systems may also prefer purified water to minimize exposure to waterborne pathogens.
Environmental impact of purified water
Bottled purified water contributes to plastic waste and transportation emissions. Opting for a home purification system and using reusable bottles is a more environmentally friendly choice.
The economic cost of choosing purified water
Buying bottled purified water or installing an advanced home filtration system can be more expensive than drinking tap water. However, this may be offset by the potential health benefits of consuming cleaner water, particularly in areas with poor water quality.
